Bahrain Expresses Solidarity with Syria Following Latakia Fires and Calls for Urgent International Support

The Kingdom of Bahrain has announced its full solidarity with the Syrian Arab Republic following the devastating forest fires that swept through the province of Latakia, resulting in significant human and material losses.

A statement issued by the Bahraini Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated: "We sympathize and stand in solidarity with our sister Syria, due to the forest fires that ravaged Latakia in the northwest of the country, leading to the displacement of hundreds of families and severe losses in agricultural lands and infrastructure".

The statement emphasized "the importance of international efforts to support the Syrian government and provide effective humanitarian response to confront this natural and environmental disaster, and mitigate its human and material damages".

On the other hand, Syrian civil defense teams are facing significant challenges in controlling the fires that broke out in the countryside of Latakia since the 3rd of July, which have consumed more than 10,000 hectares of forests and agricultural lands, due to multiple factors including rugged terrain, strong winds, and remnants of war in the region.

As part of regional efforts to address the disaster, several countries including Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon, and Cyprus have provided practical support including firefighting teams and helicopters, which have helped in controlling many active fire spots, despite the need for continuous cooling operations to prevent fire resurgence.